These are strange comments, to say the least. People don’t have surgery for no reason, so something was clearly wrong with Stepan’s jaw. New York’s first-line center hasn’t been ruled out of Game 4, but Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault didn’t sound optimistic when he gave an update on Stepan’s condition Saturday. Luckily for the Rangers, third-line center Derick Brassard confirmed he is ready to return from a shoulder injury and make his series debut.

Vigneault says Stepan still at the hospital recovering from surgery. Says he's unlikely for Game 4. http://t.co/25jN9Nf2DP

The intensity of Thursday’s game continued during the off days with both teams exchanging in a war of words. It’s all setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable Game 4 Sunday night at Madison Square Garden.

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In case anyone is interested,Prust helmet hit Stepans chin with his helmet.Not intentionally,but he did hit it and that must have done the damage.He's suspended I guess because the hit was exceptionally late.Other players have been suspended for late hits.That being said,I hope the Zamboni runs Prust over !